I am greatly indebted to MR. KIMPEI OTSU, Chief of the Aboriginal Bureau of Formosa and to Mr. S. Ishii, of Kaihoku, of Formosa, for a number of interesting photographs representing the savages of that Island in the act of drawing the bow. Seven of these photographs represent members of the Vonum tribe of various villages.These are indicated as domesticated savages, all of these but one are using the primary release. (Fig. 9.) The one exception is drawing the arrow with the left hand and all four fingers are bent over the string suggesting a modification of the tertiary release. Two others are marked head-hunters belonging to the Taiyal, or tattooed tribe. These are also practicing the primary release.

Fig. 9. Formosa

Fig. 10. Formosa

In the Trocadero Museum, in Paris, is a curious arrow from Formosa made by the savage Botans. The nock end is cut in long shallow gashes giving a firmer grip of the thumb and forefinger. This form indicates the use of the primary release. (Fig. 10.)

In using the primary release, as I have already shown, the arrow is usually knobbed or the nock end of the arrow where the thumb and finger grasp it is roughened by slight cuts, or gashes to ensure a stronger hold on the arrow.